We Are What We Eat

A MESA analysis reveals substantial differences among four ethnic groups in reaching adherence targets for eight components of the DASH diet.

Use of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is an effective approach to reducing hypertension in the cohorts in which it has been studied (white and black individuals), but its effectiveness in diverse ethnic populations remains to be determined. These investigators studied 5972 U.S. participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) to assess how their intake of specific nutrients accords with the DASH guidelines for hypertension management. Participants were between the ages of 45 and 84 and identified themselves as white, black, Chinese, or Latino.

Fewer than 30% of subjects attained any DASH nutrient target. DASH accordance was lowest for saturated-fat intake (5.3%) and highest for cholesterol intake (29.…

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

We Are What We Eat

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Reviewing Author